Cognitive function is associated with home discharge in subacute stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study

To investigate the cognitive function and its relation to the home discharge of patients following subacute stroke.

This retrospective cohort study included 1,229 convalescent patients experiencing their first subacute stroke. We determined discharge destination and demographic and clinical information. We recorded the following measurement scores: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set score, grip strength, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis with the forced-entry method to identify factors related to home discharge.

Of the 1,229 participants (mean age: 68.7 ± 13.5 years), 501 (40.8%), 735 (59.8%), and 1,011 (82.3%) were female, had cerebral infarction, and were home discharged, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 - 0.96; P < 0.001), duration from stroke onset to admission (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96 - 0.99; P = 0.003), living situation (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 2.69 - 7.20; P < 0.001), MMSE score at admission (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00 - 1.09; P = 0.035), FIM motor score at admission (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 - 1.06; P = 0.001), and FIM cognitive score at admission (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04 - 1.13; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with home discharge.

MMSE at admission is significantly associated with home discharge in patients with subacute stroke.